Fitness park could be open this weekend

The fitness park installed at DeFrees Park could be open as soon as this weekend.

During a special meeting this week, Warren City Council unanimously accepted the park from the Community Mobilization Initiative (CMI), the group of local employers who raised nearly $73,000 for its installation since September 2013.

Department of Public Works Director Mike Holtz said that some dirt still needs to be placed at the site and the fence needs to be taken down, which will leave the park “ready to go.”

A rubber safety surface was installed around the fitness equipment over the Memorial Day weekend, which was the last major hurdle to the park’s completion. The fitness equipment was installed last fall and that portion of the park has been closed since then.

The CMI also has given the city a $5,000 maintenance fund to cover costs of maintaining the equipment and pathways after the applicable warranties expire.

An additional liability policy from the manufacturer of the equipment will also be signed over to the city. This was included in the cost of the equipment.

Each piece of equipment has a sticker on it that shows how the equipment should be used. Users who have an android smartphone can download the Norwell Fitness Park app which shows additional uses of the equipment.

A grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony has been scheduled for this Saturday, June 7 from 10 a.m. to noon.